Tire electronics securing structures

ABSTRACT

A tire and membrane system includes a tire, an electronics package, and a membrane body attached to the electronics package. A width of the membrane body is less than 120% of a width of a tread of the tire. A length of the membrane body is less than 50% of a circumference of the tire. A bottom surface of the membrane body is configured to lie flat against an inner surface of the tire. The membrane body is not attached to the tire.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/421,755, filed on May 24, 2019, which in turn is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/540,583, filed on Jun. 29, 2017 andnow issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,336,144, which in turn is a 371 nationalstage entry of PCT/US2015/060511, filed on Nov. 13, 2015, which in turnclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/097,928, filed on Dec. 30, 2014. The disclosures of these referencesare incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to tires featuring electronicspackages and structures and membranes for securing the electronicspackages. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to tirescontaining annular hoops, electronics bands, and flexible andsemi-flexible membranes used to secure electronics packages. The tiresmay be pneumatic or non-pneumatic.

BACKGROUND

Known tires include electronics packages containing sensors and RFIDs.The electronics packages are bonded to, or within, the tire. Securingelectronics packages using known methods and components requires certainapparatuses (e.g., wheel mounts), structures (e.g., patches), oradhesives (e.g., glue or vulcanizing compounds).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a tire and membrane system includes a tire having afirst annular bead, a second annular bead, and a body ply extendingbetween the first annular bead and the second annular bead. The tirealso includes an innerliner extending between the first annular bead andthe second annular bead across at least a portion of a surface of thebody ply. The tire also has a circumferential belt disposed radiallyupward of the body ply and extending axially across a portion of thebody ply, and a circumferential tread disposed radially upward of thecircumferential belt and extending axially across a portion of the bodyply. The tire further includes a first sidewall extending between thefirst annular bead and a first shoulder, and a second sidewall extendingbetween the second annular bead and a second shoulder. The firstshoulder and the second shoulder are each associated with thecircumferential tread. The system further includes a membrane having amembrane body and an electronics package. The membrane body is definedby at least a bottom surface, a top surface, a height, a width, and alength. The height of the membrane body is less than 50% of a tiresection height. The width of the membrane body is less than 120% of atread width. The length of the membrane body is less than 50% of acircumference of the tire. The bottom surface of the membrane body isconfigured to lie flat against the innerliner. The top surface of themembrane body is opposite the bottom surface and is also configured tolie flat against the innerliner. The electronics package is attached tothe membrane body and configured to monitor at least one condition inthe tire. The membrane body is not attached to the innerliner.

In another embodiment, a tire and membrane system includes a pneumatictire and a membrane having a membrane body and an electronics package. Aheight of the membrane body is less than 50% of a section height of thepneumatic tire. A width of the membrane body is less than 120% of atread width. A length of the membrane body is less than 50% of acircumference of the pneumatic tire. A bottom surface of the membranebody is configured to lie flat against an inner surface of the pneumatictire. A top surface of the membrane body is opposite the bottom surfaceand is also configured to lie flat against the inner surface of thepneumatic tire. The electronics package is attached to the membrane bodyand configured to monitor at least one condition in the pneumatic tire.The membrane body is not attached to the pneumatic tire.

In yet another embodiment, a tire and membrane system includes a tire,an electronics package, and a membrane body attached to the electronicspackage. A width of the membrane body is less than 120% of a width of atread of the tire. A length of the membrane body is less than 50% of acircumference of the tire. A bottom surface of the membrane body isconfigured to lie flat against an inner surface of the tire. Themembrane body is not attached to the tire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, togetherwith the detailed description provided below, describe exemplaryembodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified withthe same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shownas a single component may be replaced with multiple components, andelements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a singlecomponent. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certainelements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

FIG. 1 is a peel-away cross-sectional perspective view of one embodimentof a tire and electronics package securing structure;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a tireand electronics package securing structure;

FIGS. 3 a-3 f are cross sectional views of alternative embodiments ofthe electronics package securing structures;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a membrane used tosecure electronics packages;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of themembrane shown in FIG. 4 , and;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of another alternative embodiment ofthe membranes shown in FIGS. 4-5 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein.The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components thatfall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation.The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and pluralforms of terms may be within the definitions.

“Axial” and “axially” refer to a direction that is parallel to the axisof rotation of a tire.

“Circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to a direction extendingalong the perimeter of the surface of the tread perpendicular to theaxial direction.

“Radial” and “radially” refer to a direction perpendicular to the axisof rotation of a tire.

“Sidewall” as used herein, refers to that portion of the tire betweenthe tread and the bead.

“Tread” as used herein, refers to that portion of the tire that comesinto contact with the road or ground under normal inflation and normalload.

“Tread width” refers to the width of the ground contact area of a treadwhich contacts with road surface during the rotation of the tire undernormal inflation and load.

While similar terms used in the following descriptions describe commontire components, it is understood that because the terms carry slightlydifferent connotations, one of ordinary skill in the art would notconsider any one of the following terms to be purely interchangeablewith another term used to describe a common tire component.

Directions are stated herein with reference to the axis of rotation ofthe tire. The terms “upward” and “upwardly” refer to a general directiontowards the tread of the tire, whereas “downward” and “downwardly” referto the general direction towards the axis of rotation of the tire. Thus,when relative directional terms such as “upper” and “lower” or “top” and“bottom” are used in connection with an element, the “upper” or “top”element is spaced closer to the tread than the “lower” or “bottom”element. Additionally, when relative directional terms such as “above”or “below” are used in connection with an element, an element that is“above” another element is closer to the tread than the other element.

The terms “inward” and “inwardly” refer to a general direction towardsthe equatorial plane of the tire, whereas “outward” and “outwardly”refer to a general direction away from the equatorial plane of the tireand towards the sidewall of the tire. Thus, when relative directionalterms such as “inner” and “outer” are used in connection with anelement, the “inner” element is spaced closer to the equatorial plane ofthe tire than the “outer” element.

FIG. 1 is a peel-away cross-sectional perspective view of one embodimentof a tire 100 and electronics package securing structure. As shown, tire100 features a first annular bead 105 and a second annular bead 110. Theannular beads, in part, secure the tire to a wheel. In an alternativeembodiment (not shown), the tire comprises four or more beads.

Tire 100 further features a body ply 115 extending between the firstannular bead 105 and the second annular bead 110. Body ply 115 impartsshape to the tire. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand,body ply 115 may contain reinforcing cords or fabric (not shown). In analternative embodiment (not shown), the body ply forms a quick 2construction.

Tire 100 further comprises a circumferential belt 120. Circumferentialbelt 120 is disposed radially upward of body ply 115 and extends axiallyacross a portion of body ply 115. As one of ordinary skill in the artwill understand, circumferential belt 120 may contain steel cords andreinforcing cords (both not shown). In an alternative embodiment (notshown), the circumferential belt lacks metal.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , tire 100 further comprises areinforcement ply 125. First reinforcement ply 125 is disposed radiallyupward of circumferential belt 120 and extends axially across a portionof body ply 115. As one of ordinary skill will understand, additionalreinforcement plies may be utilized. The reinforcement plies strengthenand stabilize the tire. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the tirecontains one or three or more reinforcement plies. In anotherembodiment, the reinforcement plies are omitted.

Tire 100 further comprises a cap ply 130. Cap ply 130 is disposedradially upward of circumferential belt 120 and second reinforcement ply130. Cap ply 130 extends axially across a portion of body ply 115. In analternative embodiment (not shown), a sealing gel layer is provided inthe cap ply region.

As shown, tire 100 further comprises a first sidewall 135 and a secondsidewall 140. First sidewall 135 extends between the first annular bead105 and a first shoulder 145, which is proximately associated with anedge of circumferential tread 155. Second sidewall 140 extends betweenthe second annular bead 110 and a second shoulder 150, which isproximately associated with the opposite edge of circumferential tread155. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sidewall isproximately associated with an undertread (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, tire 100 further comprises acircumferential tread 155, which is separated by circumferential grooves160. Circumferential tread 155 is disposed radially upward ofreinforcement ply 125 and cap ply 130, and circumferential tread 155extends axially across a portion of body ply 115 and between theshoulders 145, 150. Circumferential grooves 160 divide circumferentialtread 155 into five ribs. In an alternative embodiment (not shown),tread blocks form the surface of the circumferential tread. In anotherembodiment, lugs form the surface of the circumferential tread. In adifferent embodiment, a slick surface forms the surface of thecircumferential tread. As one of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand, tires featuring a slick surface are suited for applicationsrequiring high grip, such as an airplane or racing tire might require.

As depicted, circumferential tread 155 is affixed to tire 100 when tire100 is new. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), thecircumferential tread is affixed as a retread.

An electronics package 165 is further provided in conjunction with tire100. Electronics package 165 is disposed radially inward of the body ply115 and extends axially across a portion of body ply 115 and between theshoulders 145, 150. In particular, as illustrated, electronics package165 abuts the innerliner underneath circumferential belt 120.Electronics package 165 may contain a range of electronics devices.Exemplary devices include, without limitation, sensors (such asacceleration, temperature, pressure, strain sensors) and RFID devices.As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, electronicspackages come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Annular hoop 170 is provided in conjunction with tire 100. Annular hoop170 is disposed radially inward of the body ply 115 and extends axiallyacross a portion of body ply 115, between the shoulders 145, 150. Asillustrated, annular hoop 170 abuts the innerliner (e.g., an airtightlayer on the lower side of the body ply) and electronics package 165. Inan alternative embodiment (not shown), the annular hoop abuts theelectronics package only. In another embodiment, the annular hoopfurther comprises a divot to receive an electronics package. The divotis generally complimentary in shape to a surface of the electronicspackage, and adhesives or bonding materials may be used to secure theelectronics package within the divot. In yet another embodiment, theannular hoop contacts two or more electronics devices.

Annular hoop 170 is made of a material consisting essentially ofopen-cell reticulated foam. In a specific embodiment, the open-cellreticulated foam has a modulus between about 20-50 kPa. In alternativeembodiments, the annular hoop contains a plastic component, such as acoil, spring, shell, or support core. In additional embodiments, theannular hoop contains a metal component, such as a coil, spring, shell,or support core.

Annular hoop 170, when unstressed, has a circumference that is largerthan a circumference of tire 100. The hoop is then stressed (compressed)to fit into the tire cavity. When stressed, annular hoop 170 may exertsan upward force of up to approximately 100 psi on an electronics packageand an inner surface of tire 100. In an alternative embodiment, theannular hoop exerts a force between 60-90 psi on an electronics packageand an inner surface of tire. In another embodiment, the annular hoopexerts an upward force between approximately 10,000-100,000N on anelectronics package and an inner surface of tire. In differentembodiments, the annular hoop exerts these forces on the electronicspackage alone.

While a pneumatic tire is shown in FIG. 1 , the annular hoop may also beemployed in the tread of a non-pneumatic tire. The basic structure ofnon-pneumatic tires is known in the art, and is not presented here.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a tire andelectronics package securing structure. In particular, FIG. 2 shows anembodiment of a tire 200 with an electronics band 205 and electronicspackage 210.

Electronics band 205 is provided in conjunction with tire 200. As shown,electronics band 205 is located below an inner surface of the tire. Inone embodiment, the electronics package is first disposed on theelectronics band, and the band is then placed in the tire and inflated.In a different embodiment, the electronics package is self-expanding. Ineither of these embodiments, the electronics band 205 forms a completeannulus within the tire and secures electronics package 210 within tire200 by applying a force against the electronics package 210.

As depicted, electronics band 205 comprises a tubular body 215 and atubular chamber 220. Tubular body 215 is a round tube that defines thebounds of tubular chamber 215. As one of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand, the tubular body may come in a variety of shapes and sizes.In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the electronics package isbonded to the tubular body. The electronics package may be bonded on aradially inner or outer portion of the tubular body. In anotherembodiment, at least two electronics packages are bonded to the tubularbody.

Although not shown, tubular body 215 and a tubular chamber 220 containpressurized gas. Thus, electronics band 205 is placed within tire 200,or around a wheel (not shown), and then inflated. The size and positionof the electronics band 205 are such that when the electronics band isinflated, it exerts an upward force on the electronics package 210,thereby pressing the electronics package 210 against an inner surface ofthe tire 200. In one embodiment, the tubular chamber is inflated to apressure at least 10% greater than the recommended tire inflationpressure. In another embodiment, the tubular chamber is inflated to apressure at least 20% greater than the recommended tire inflationpressure. In an alternative embodiment, gas is pressurized between35-100 psi. In another embodiment, gas is pressurized between 45-65 psi.In a different embodiment, gas is pressurized between 100-200 psi. Inyet another embodiment, tubular chamber is filled (e.g., with a foam).In a further embodiment, pressurized gas is not provided within thetubular body and chamber.

Tubular body 215 is made of a material consisting essentially of rubber.In an alternative embodiment, the tubular body is made of a materialconsisting essentially of foam, and the exterior or interior of tubularbody is lined with an air-impermeable polymer. In a specific embodiment,the foam is an open-cell reticulated foam that has a modulus betweenabout 20-50 kPa. In alternative embodiments, the tubular body contains aplastic component, such as a coil, spring, shell, or support core. Inadditional embodiments, the tubular body contains a metal component,such as a coil, spring, shell, or support core.

Electronics band 205 further comprises at least one inflation valve 225.Inflation valve 225 is used to inflate electronics band 205. In specificembodiments, the inflation valve is selected from the group of valvesconsisting of bladder, ball, check, Presta, and Schrader valves. As oneof ordinary skill in the art will understand, the inflation valve is notlimited to one particular location.

Electronics band 205 extends axially across a portion of the tread widthTW. In the particular configuration shown in FIG. 2 , the electronicsband 205 extends axially across a majority of the intermediate andmiddle ribs (approximately 55% across the center of the tread width). Inalternative embodiments (not shown), the electronics band extends across5-40% of TW. In additional embodiments, the electronics band extendsacross 35-65% of TW. In different embodiments, the electronics bandextends across 60-95% of TW. In further embodiments, the electronicsband extends across at least 40% of TW.

As shown, electronics package 210 is a round package disposed on aninner surface of the tire, radially inward of the belt. As one ofordinary skill in the art will understand, the curvature of a surface ofelectronics package 210 may compliment the curvature of an inner surfaceof tire 200. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the electronicspackage is bonded to the electronics band. The electronics package maybe bonded on a radially inner or outer portion of the electronics band.In another embodiment, at least two electronics packages are bonded tothe electronics band.

Electronics package 210 extends axially across a portion of the treadwidth TW. In the particular configuration shown in FIG. 2 , theelectronics package 210 extends axially across a width approximatelyequivalent to the width of the middle rib (approximately 12% across thecenter of the tread width TW). In alternative embodiments (not shown),the electronics package extends across 0.1-5.0% of TW. In additionalembodiments, the electronics package extends across 8-40% of TW.

In the illustrated embodiment, electronics band 205 further comprisesfins 230. Fins 230 are triangular extensions of band 205 that abut theinner surface of tire 200. As one of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand, the curvature of a surface of the fins 230 may complimentthe curvature of an inner surface of tire 200. In embodiments whereelectronics band 205 provides a small force upon electronics package210, fins 230 further stabilize the electronics band 205 and electronicspackage 210. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the fins areomitted. In another embedment, the fins encase (i.e., extend annularlyaround) the electronics band.

FIGS. 3 a-3 f are perspective views of alternative embodiments of theelectronics package securing structures shown in FIGS. 1-2 .

In particular, FIG. 3 a shows an electronics package 305 and electronicspackage securing structure 310, which has a substantially cusped crosssection.

FIG. 3 b shows an electronics package 305 and electronics packagesecuring structure 310, which has an elongated elliptical cross section.The major axis of the ellipse is between 75-90% of TW.

FIG. 3 c shows electronics packages 305 and electronics package securingstructure 310. Electronics package securing structure 310 has anelongated elliptical cross section with multiple divots 315.

FIG. 3 d shows an electronics package 305 and electronics packagesecuring structure 310, which has a substantially rectangular crosssection. In an alternative embodiment, electronics package securingstructure has a substantially square cross section.

FIG. 3 e shows an electronics package 305 and electronics packagesecuring structure 310, which has a substantially triangular crosssection.

FIG. 3 f shows an electronics package 305 and electronics packagesecuring structure 310, which has a substantially chevron or v-shapedcross section. The ends of electronics package securing structure 310contact a sidewall, bead, or wheel.

Thus, as FIGS. 3 a-3 f show, the electronics package securing structuremay have a cross section selected from the group consisting of cuspedarches, ellipses, elongated ellipses, substantially rectangular,substantially square, substantially triangular, or substantially chevronshaped. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, theseshapes are merely exemplary, as bands of numerous cross sections may beemployed.

In alternative embodiments (not shown) of the electronics packagesecuring structures shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and FIGS. 3 a-3 f , theelectronics package securing structure is modular and may be pulledapart into annular segments. An elastic component, such as an elasticcord, is disposed in the interior of the annular segments. In variantsof these embodiments, the elastic cord is omitted. The annular segmentsare placed within a tire, or on a wheel, and the electronics packagesecuring structure is then assembled within the tire or around thewheel.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a membrane used tosecure electronics packages. In particular, FIG. 4 shows tire 400 andmembrane 405 securing electronics package 410.

As shown, membrane 405 is simply placed within tire 400. Thus, noadhesives are used to secure membrane 405 within the tire. At increasingspeeds, membrane 405 flattens as tire 400 rotates. In an alternativeembodiment (not shown), adhesives or bonding agents are used to securethe membrane to the tire.

Membrane 405 is wider than it is long, and its width exceeds tread widthTW (not shown). Because the width of membrane 405 exceeds tread widthTW, membrane 405 curls along inner portions of the sidewalls. In analternative embodiment (not shown), the width of the membrane is lessthan the tread width. In another embodiment (not shown), the length ofthe membrane is between 20-50% of the tire circumference. Configuringthe length of the membrane between 20-50% of the tire circumferenceinhibits movement of the membrane within the tire cavity.

Although not shown, membrane 405 is made of a flexible material in oneembodiment. Exemplary materials include, without limitation, rubbers,fabrics, foams, and leathers. In another embodiment, the membranefeatures round surfaces and is made of a semi-flexible material.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of themembrane shown in FIG. 4 . In particular, FIG. 5 shows tire 500 andmembrane 405 securing electronics package 410.

As shown in FIG. 5 , membrane 405 further comprises a top surface 415and a bottom surface 420. Preferably, top surface 415 and bottom surface420 form a rounded edge. Although not shown, top surface 415 and bottomsurface 420 are ovals. In an alternative embodiment, the top surface andbottom surface are polygons. In another embodiment, the bottom surfacefeatures dimples.

As depicted, the height of membrane 405 is less than the height ofelectronics package 410. As one of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand, the configuration shown in FIG. 5 allows for directmeasurement or observation of the tire interior. In the embodimentshown, the membrane 405 and electronics package 410 collectively spanapproximately 16-20% of the section height SH. In an alternativeembodiment (not shown), the membrane and electronics package spanapproximately 10-30% of the section height.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of themembranes shown in FIGS. 4-5 . In particular, FIG. 6 shows tire 600 andmembrane 405 securing electronics package 410.

As shown in FIG. 6 , membrane 405 further comprises a side wall 425. Theside wall has a height and a width (not shown). In embodiments wheremembrane 405 is round, membrane 405 has a single side wall 425. Inalternative embodiments (not shown), the membrane has exactly two sidewalls. In additional embodiments, the membrane has three, four, five, ormore sidewalls. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand,having side walls allows for distribution of weight in the membrane.Likewise, one of ordinary skill in the art will also understand thathaving sidewalls does not preclude the use of rounded edges.

As depicted, the height of the membrane 405 is greater than the heightof electronics package 410. Further, membrane 405 encapsulateselectronics package 410. As one of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand, the configuration shown in FIG. 6 allows for measurement orobservation of the tire interior through membrane 405. In the embodimentshown, the membrane 405 (which encapsulates electronics package 410)spans approximately 8-10% of the section height SH. In an alternativeembodiment (not shown), the membrane and electronics package spanapproximately 1-7% of the section height. In yet another embodiment, themembrane and electronics package span approximately 11-50% of thesection height SH.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the membrane further comprisesan elastic component that secures the membrane to the wheel. In oneexample of this embodiment, the membrane is placed on a wheel, and anelastic band is attached to the membrane at two distinct locations tosecure the membrane to the wheel.

As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, the structures andmembranes of the described in this disclosure may be configured for useon a vehicle selected from the group consisting of motorcycles,tractors, agricultural vehicles, lawnmowers, golf carts, scooters,airplanes, military vehicles, passenger vehicles, hybrid vehicles,high-performance vehicles, sport-utility vehicles, light trucks, heavytrucks, heavy-duty vehicles, and buses. One of ordinary skill in the artwould also understand that the embodiments described in this disclosuremay be utilized with a variety of tread patterns, including, withoutlimitation, symmetrical, asymmetrical, directional, studded, andstud-less tread patterns. One of ordinary skill in the art would alsounderstand that the embodiments described in this disclosure may beutilized, without limitation, in high-performance, winter, all-season,touring, non-pneumatic, and retread tire applications. One of ordinaryskill in the art would also understand that the embodiments described inthis disclosure may be utilized on large tires. Examples of large tiresinclude, but are not limited to, agricultural tires, mining tires,forestry tires, skid steer tires, construction tires, monster-trucktires, and other heavy-duty vehicle tires.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, the structures andmembranes of described in this disclosure are suited for use in newtires or existing tires. Likewise, the structures and membranes of thepresent disclosure may be utilized in multiple tires. In other words, aparticular structure or membrane may be used in a first tire for a firstperiod of time and then removed from the first tire for use in a secondtire for a second period of time. Thus, a particular structure ormembrane may be used to observe a tire on one vehicle and then be usedto observe a tire on a second vehicle.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extentthat the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B butnot both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not theexclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into”are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term“connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to meannot only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to”such as connected through another component or components.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description ofembodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broaderaspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representativeapparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tire and membrane system comprising: a tirecomprising a first annular bead and a second annular bead, a body plyextending between the first annular bead and the second annular bead, aninnerliner, extending between the first annular bead and the secondannular bead across at least a portion of a surface of the body ply, acircumferential belt disposed radially upward of the body ply andextending axially across a portion of the body ply, a circumferentialtread disposed radially upward of the circumferential belt and extendingaxially across a portion of the body ply, a first sidewall extendingbetween the first annular bead and a first shoulder, the first shoulderbeing associated with the circumferential tread, and a second sidewallextending between the second annular bead and a second shoulder, thesecond shoulder being associated with the circumferential tread; amembrane comprising a membrane body and an electronics package, themembrane body being defined by at least a bottom surface, a top surface,a height, a width, and a length; wherein the height of the membrane bodyis less than 50% of a tire section height; the width of the membranebody is less than 120% of a tread width; the length of the membrane bodyis less than 50% of a circumference of the tire; wherein the bottomsurface of the membrane body is configured to lie flat against theinnerliner; wherein the top surface of the membrane body is opposite thebottom surface and is also configured to lie flat against theinnerliner; wherein the electronics package is attached to the membranebody and configured to monitor at least one condition in the tire; andwherein the membrane body is not attached to the innerliner.
 2. The tireand membrane system of claim 1, wherein the membrane body is furtherdefined by at least one side wall having a height and a width.
 3. Thetire and membrane system of claim 1, wherein the height of the membranebody is less than a height of the electronics package.
 4. The tire andmembrane system of claim 1, wherein the membrane body encapsulates theelectronics package.
 5. The tire and membrane system of claim 1, whereinthe top surface and bottom surface of the membrane are ovals.
 6. Thetire and membrane system of claim 1, wherein the membrane body furthercomprises an elastic component that secures the membrane to a wheel. 7.A tire and membrane system comprising: a pneumatic tire; a membranehaving a membrane body and an electronics package; wherein a height ofthe membrane body is less than 50% of a section height of the pneumatictire, wherein a width of the membrane body is less than 120% of a treadwidth, wherein a length of the membrane body is less than 50% of acircumference of the pneumatic tire, wherein a bottom surface of themembrane body is configured to lie flat against an inner surface of thepneumatic tire, wherein a top surface of the membrane body is oppositethe bottom surface and is also configured to lie flat against the innersurface of the pneumatic tire, wherein the electronics package isattached to the membrane body and configured to monitor at least onecondition in the pneumatic tire, and wherein the membrane body is notattached to the pneumatic tire.
 8. The tire and membrane system of claim7, wherein the width of the membrane body is greater than the length ofthe membrane body.
 9. The tire and membrane system of claim 7, whereinthe width of the membrane body is greater than the tread width.
 10. Thetire and membrane system of claim 7, wherein the length of the membranebody is greater than 20% of the circumference of the pneumatic tire. 11.The tire and membrane system of claim 7, wherein a combined height ofthe membrane body and the electronics package is 10-30% of the sectionheight of the pneumatic tire.
 12. The tire and membrane system of claim7, wherein the height of the membrane body is less than a height of theelectronics package.
 13. The tire and membrane system of claim 7,wherein the membrane body encapsulates the electronics package.
 14. Atire and membrane system comprising: a tire; an electronics package; amembrane body attached to the electronics package; wherein a width ofthe membrane body is less than 120% of a width of a tread of the tire,wherein a length of the membrane body is less than 50% of acircumference of the tire, wherein a bottom surface of the membrane bodyis configured to lie flat against an inner surface of the tire, andwherein the membrane body is not attached to the tire.
 15. The tire andmembrane system of claim 14, wherein the electronics package isconfigured to monitor at least one condition in the tire.
 16. The tireand membrane system of claim 14, wherein the width of the membrane bodyexceeds the width of the tread.
 17. The tire and membrane system ofclaim 14, wherein the length of the membrane body is greater than 20% ofthe circumference of the tire.
 18. The tire and membrane system of claim14, wherein a combined height of the membrane body and the electronicspackage is 11-50% of a section height of the tire.
 19. The tire andmembrane system of claim 14, wherein the height of the membrane body isless than a height of the electronics package.
 20. The tire and membranesystem of claim 14, wherein the membrane body encapsulates theelectronics package.